10 Things No One Will Tell You About Traveling the World

Lots of people dream about quitting their job, hopping on a plane, and never looking back. While travelling can certainly be an incredibly positive experience, the reality isn’t always as glorious as it seems when you’re trapped in a cubicle. See 10 things no one will tell you about travelling the world.

1. It’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make

No matter how cheaply you try and do it, traveling the world costs money. However, it’s certainly worth the investment. The eye-opening experience that travelling can provide won’t make you financially rich, but you will be armed with many great stories. And all of those memories will last a lifetime.

2. It’s something that anyone can do

If you look for it, you’ll be able to find a reason not to do anything. If you have your heart set on visiting a place, find a way to make it happen. Whether you participate in a school or work exchange, a volunteer program, couch surf, or stick to a strict budget for a year or two to be able to pay for your trip, it is possible - and well worth the effort. Make a plan and start packing.

3. It should always be a priority

A trip is one of the best ways you can spend your money. Unlike most things you buy, that positive post-purchase feeling really never goes away. Reliving your favorite travel memories will always bring a smile to your face. Plus, wherever you go, you’ll come home armed with a little more confidence, life experience, and inspiration than you had before.

4. It’ll make you appreciate what you have

When you’re travelling, it’s important to travel light. And living with less can show you just how much you don’t really need in your real life, too. You’ll start to prioritize memories over things, and buying less stuff will only leave more room in your budget for your next trip.

5. It’s attractive to potential employers

Travellers need to be able to roll with the punches, think on their feet, and adapt to a variety of different situations. Visiting a different country can push you out of your comfort zone, and those kind of life experiences - the ones that inspire you to be the best version of yourself - are valuable lessons that transfer well to the corporate world.

6. It won’t let you escape responsibility

Problems have a way of sticking with you - and no round-the-world trip is going to let you shake them. Whatever you’re trying to avoid will be waiting for you when you return - and may even pop up along the way. Solve problems at home before setting off on your trip. It’ll make for a more positive travel experience.

7. It can be lonely

Travel - especially extended travel, can be lonely. You’re far away from family and friends as they continue to build their lives at home, and that can mean missing out on things like proposals, weddings, and baby showers. Seeing photographs of friends’ nights out together on Facebook can make you feel like you’re missing all the fun at home.

8. It’s not always awesome

Travelling isn’t always a picture-perfect postcard. In fact, from lost luggage, to stolen money, or getting sick, there are lots of potential ways for that would-be-perfect trip to go awry. There’s much more to a trip than beautiful sunsets, and awe-inspiring architecture, and how you react to those not-so-awesome parts of the trip can make or break your experience.

9. It can make you broke

Taking a trip costs money. No matter how many blogs you read about cheap travel options, you’re always going to need some cash in the bank. Travelling often means extended time off work - or working menial jobs while on the road. Odds are you’ll be coming home to much less in your bank account than what you started with.

10. It’s hard to come home

New people, new foods, and new experiences make for lots of excitement while travelling. It can make life at home feel fairly boring in comparison. Sure it’s fun to share your photos and stories with friends, but once life starts to get back to normal again avid travellers will get the itch to get back on the road.